FOR MAGIC VALLEY EC MEMBERS
July 2024
Texas Book Man
Lori Grossman
Co-op Roots
WITH FLOWERY LANGUAGE, Texas Co-op Power announced in its debut issue 80 years ago this month that “there will no longer exist that vacant, uncultivated space within the garden of printed and published facts.”
The magazine itself was unflowery in July 1944—just four plain pages of newsprint. But it had strong roots: messaging that informed and unified members of newly formed electric cooperatives.
Here’s what readers learned in that first issue:
In 1936, less than 3% of Texas farms had electricity, compared to 30% in 1944.
A farm in Dublin, Texas, increased its production 70% with the help of electricity.
And, of course, there was a notice of an annual meeting.
By the August issue, with a circulation of 14,000, the publication had grown to eight pages and ran the first of what has become a beloved string of recipes—for fruit-stuffed spareribs.
Those strong roots today sustain a communications platform that includes nearly 1.9 million slick magazines every month and a website, plus social media access that’s just a click away on any device.
Visit our website to see the inaugural issue of Texas Co-op Power from 1944. And watch for our upcoming contest to win a commemorative cast-iron skillet.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE
I’d like to be famous for …
Tell us how you would fnish that sentence. Email your short responses to letters@TexasCoopPower.com or comment on our Facebook post. Include your co-op and town. Here are some of the responses to our May prompt: Summer means …
Starlit nights and frefy viewing while listening to the insect night sounds that lull you to sleep.
SANDRA VALDERAZ PEDERNALES EC LEANDER
The smell of cut grass, sunscreen and chlorine.
BOBBI FLOWERS
BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES BRYAN
Garden-fresh tomatoes.
JAMES SELF DEAF SMITH EC HEREFORD
Visit our website to see more responses.
Contests and More
ENTER CONTESTS AT TEXASCOOPPOWER.COM
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FOCUS ON TEXAS PHOTOS Mascots
RECOMMENDED READING
Ten years ago we threw darts at an outline of Texas and headed out to write about the places pinpointed. Read Darting Around Texas from July 2014 and see where we ended up.
Seeking Gold in France
Texas will be well-represented among American athletes when the Summer Olympics kick of July 26 in Paris—as it was the last time the French capital hosted the Games, 100 years ago. Charley Paddock of Gainesville, a track star in 1924, pictured second from right, was the frst person labeled as the “fastest man alive.” That was in 1919, a year before he starred in the 1920 Olympics, winning gold in the 100 meters and silver in the 200. Paddock again won silver in the 200 in 1924. Chariots of Fire, the 1981 Oscar-winning flm, captured the religious tensions of members of the British track team at those Games. Paddock was portrayed as a brash American in the movie.
Highway Memorials
You have helped to preserve the memory of the jet pilots who trained at Kingsville Naval Air Station [Overpass Easels, May 2024]. Those young men were selfless and courageous. We lived on a cotton farm south of the base and watched as they flew overhead.
My sister married Lt. Ralph Foulks, who went missing after he flew off the USS Oriskany in January 1968 during the Vietnam War. His remains were returned from Vietnam and buried in 1993.
Elizabeth Cumberland Bluebonnet EC Martindale
Ranch Hand Legacy
My granddad was a hand for the Four Sixes and Triangles ranches, and the Piper tank is named after my great-granddad Jon Piper [Sixes on the Small Screen, May 2024].
Brendan Hill Via Facebook
MAY 2024 Overpass Easels
“I have seen two of these and wondered how they originated. Your article answered all my questions, and I now am eager to see the others during my travels.”
CAROL STRICKLAND TRI-COUNTY EC
MILLSAP
Perspective on Bowie
It’s easy to judge 19th-century characters and practices by 20th- and 21st-century standards—and Jim Bowie might not have had a sterling reputation [TCP Talk, April 2024]. But it cannot be denied that he (and the other Alamo defenders) did not have to be there, he didn’t have to join the Texian Army in the first place and he didn’t have to be co-commander. He did those things because of his sense of duty and died for it. He and the others at the Alamo made a down payment on a free Texas with their blood. There certainly is honor in that.
Carl Crisp
Houston County EC Elkhart
Quilters’ Bond
The timing of The Fabric of Life was perfect [May 2024]. A lot of quilters in the state had just finished participating in the two-month All Texas Shop Hop, including shops that spread from Odessa north to Amarillo, east to Texarkana and south to Alamo in the Rio Grande Valley.
Sherry Reid Carroll
Taylor EC Flower Mound
Editor, Texas Co-op Power 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor Austin, TX 78701
Please include your electric co-op and town. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.
Texas Co-op Power
TEXAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair Neil Hesse, Muenster
Vice Chair Avan Irani, Robstown
Secretary-Treasurer Bryan Wood, San Augustine
Board Members Dale Ancell, Lubbock
Mark McClain, Roby • Julie Parsley, Johnson City • Brandon Young, McGregor
PRESIDENT/CEO Mike Williams, Austin
COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBER
SERVICES COMMITTEE
Mike Ables, Bellville • Matt Bentke, Bastrop Marty Haught, Burleson • Gary Miller, Bryan Zac Perkins, Hooker, Oklahoma John Ed Shinpaugh, Bonham
Rob Walker, Gilmer • Buf Whitten, Eldorado
MAGAZINE STAFF
Vice President, Communications & Member Services Martin Bevins
Editor Chris Burrows
Associate Editor Tom Widlowski
Production Manager Karen Nejtek
Creative Manager Andy Doughty
Advertising Manager Elaine Sproull
Communications Specialist Samantha Bryant
Digital Media Specialist Caytlyn Calhoun
Assistant Production Manager Alex Dal Santo
Print Production Specialist Grace Fultz
Food Editor Vianney Rodriguez
Senior Designer Jane Sharpe
Communications Specialist Claire Stevens
Proofreader Louie Bond
TEXAS CO-OP POWER Volume 81, Number 1 (USPS 540-560). Texas Co-op Power is published monthly by Texas Electric Cooperatives. Periodical postage paid at Austin, TX, and at additional ofces. TEC is the statewide association representing 76 electric cooperatives. Texas Co-op Power’s website is TexasCoopPower.com. Call (512) 4540311 or email editor@TexasCoopPower.com.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscription price is $4.44 per year for individual members of subscribing cooperatives and is paid from equity accruing to the member. If you are not a member of a subscribing cooperative, you can purchase an annual subscription at the nonmember rate of $7.50. Co-op members: Please notify your co-op of address changes or other subscription requests. POSTMASTER Send address changes to Texas Co-op Power (USPS 540-560), 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor, Austin, TX 78701. Please enclose label from this copy of Texas Co-op Power showing old address and key numbers.
ADVERTISING Contact Elaine Sproull at (512) 486-6251 or esproull@texas-ec.org for information about purchasing display ad space in Texas Co-op Power and/or in our 26 sister publications in other states. Advertisements in Texas Co-op Power are paid solicitations. The publisher neither endorses nor guarantees in any manner any product or company included in this publication.
COPYRIGHT All content © 2024 Texas Electric Cooperatives Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this issue or any portion of it is expressly prohibited without written permission. Willie Wiredhand © 2024 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
FFelton Cochran’s cluttered bookshelves— the finest collection of Southwest literature for sale—endure despite the internet
TEXAS BOOK MAN
BY CARLTON STOWERS • PHOTOS BY DAVE SHAFER
elton Cochran gave up his rat-race career as a wholesale liquor salesman when, as he recalls, he came to the realization that the rats were winning. Compounding the problem was his concern that he was becoming one of his own best customers.
In the wake of that epiphany, he decided it was time to take leave of such workplaces as Fort Worth, Dallas and Lubbock and return home.
All he took with him on his return to San Angelo was what money he’d saved, his treasured collection of rare books on Texas history and a genuine concern for how to earn a living.
It was 1995, and Cochran’s résumé was thin. He’d spent three years as a journalism major at the University of North Texas in the early 1960s before dropping out to sell whiskey. Then there was his self-taught knowledge of Texana and Southwestern literature.
He made the crapshoot decision to see if the latter might somehow pay the bills.
Thus, the little Cactus Book Shop, in the heart of San Angelo, was born of financial necessity and a lifetime fondness for the gentle pace of the community and its people. Here, Cochran likes to say, a traffic jam is a halfdozen pickups waiting for the light to turn green.
Today his store is the go-to destination of researchers, writers, collectors, genealogists and those simply fascinated
Kelton, who was a prolifc novelist and longtime friend.
by Texas history. Need a hard-to-find, long-out-of-print biography of one of the state’s early pioneers, ranchers, oilmen, politicians or infamous scallywags? Want the history of any of the 254 counties in Texas? Autographed first editions of many of the state’s legendary novelists? Go see Felton Cochran.
You’ll pardon him if it sounds like grade A Texas boasting, but he insists he now oversees the finest collection of Southwestern literature to be found under one roof. Some academics might argue that collections at major universities like the University of Texas, Texas Tech University and the famed Wittliff Collections of 30,000 titles at Texas State University merit strong consideration. But those books aren’t for sale.
Steve Davis, curator of the Wittliff ’s Southwestern Writers Collection, is quick to give Cochran his due, calling the Cactus “a legend among book collectors and a muststop for any book lover or anyone interested in Texana.”
Cochran’s East Concho Avenue shop might best be described as clutter comfortable.
Old West memorabilia, like strands of early barbed wire, are on display. Nose around long enough and you see the citation from True West Magazine, which in 2020 named the Cactus as the nation’s best Western history bookstore, or even the Texas Readers’ Club membership certificate that a young Cochran received back in his elementary school days. But it’s the musty aroma of old books wafting along the narrow aisles and the wiry, balding man behind the front counter that are the primary lures.
Felton Cochran, owner of the Cactus Book Shop in San Angelo, holds his favorite book, The Time It Never Rained by Elmer
The shop owner always has time to talk about books and bygone days.
In an era when many bookstores—independents to nationwide franchises—have lost the battle with the internet and disappeared, the Cactus Book Shop serves a niche that allows it to endure and prosper. Even at 83, Cochran is in touch with today’s technology. He maintains a website, and his electronic catalog goes out monthly to customers in 28 states. The phone rings steadily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays with requests from seekers and sellers.
It is, however, the walk-in customers Cochran most enjoys—particularly when they represent a new generation of history lovers.
“Not long ago,” he says, “a lady and her 14-year-old homeschooled daughter came in and shopped for quite some time. When they came to the checkout counter, the girl
Now, after 29 years of bookselling, Cochran says it’s not unusual to buy a book from someone whose grandfather he originally sold it to. III
had an armload of books, which I assumed were for her mother. Not so. The girl, having recently developed an interest in Texas history, had picked the titles. That did my heart good.”
An avid reader since those childhood days when his mother would regularly drive him to visit the public library, Cochran is a man who knows the secrets hidden in the pages of the volumes he sells. Pressed to recommend his favorite book on Texas history, he suggests Lone Star: A History of Texas and the Texans, fellow Texan T.R. Fehrenbach’s lyrical 800-page history lesson. “Without Texas,” the late San Antonian author wrote, “there would be no American West.” Cochran, who has done his homework, agrees. Western author Patrick Dearen has been a regular since Cochran’s store opened. “Felton and his store have been an invaluable asset to me over the years,” says the winner of a Spur Award, which recognizes distinguished writing about the American West. “I’ve also done a great deal of research at the Midland Nita Stewart Haley Memorial Library, using books their archivist has purchased from Cochran.”
All Texas history seems to run through this storefront.
“J. Frank Dobie once said that there have been more books written about Texas than any other state in the U.S.,” Cochran says. “It is a subject that is so diverse that it offers something for everyone.”
ABOVE Felton’s store is clutter comfortable, with a collection that seems as vast as his beloved state.
OPPOSITE Proof that Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan and movie legend Robert Duvall found what they were looking for at the Cactus.
For instance, among his books that customers can’t seem to get enough of are those focusing on the Big Bend. “We are a stopping place for those en route to the region,” he says.
If a particular book you’re seeking is not among the estimated 12,000 volumes crammed along the shop’s floorto-ceiling shelves, Cochran will try to find it. “Today,” he says, “the hunt for that rare title is the biggest thrill.” For that reason, he remains on high alert for estate sales and is on a first-name basis with numerous rare book collectors who might one day decide the time has come to sell their books.
Sometimes, he says, easy-to-sell treasures come from the most unusual places. He recalls a phone call a few years ago from the sister of Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Larry McMurtry, informing him that she had several valuable books she was interested in selling. Aware that her brother operated a major bookselling business in his hometown, Archer City, Cochran asked why she hadn’t offered her books to him. In most colorful language, she explained that she was seriously unhappy with her famous sibling and not inclined to speak to him.
Now, after 29 years of bookselling, Cochran says it’s not unusual to buy a book from someone whose grandfather he originally sold it to.
A longtime friendship with another celebrated author has kept Cochran’s cash register humming. The late Elmer Kelton, recognized by many as the premier Western fiction writer of all time, also called San Angelo home, and Cochran made sure he stocked the most complete collection of the seven-time Spur Award winner’s works.
In-store book signing became a routine event each time a new Kelton Western was published.
“I remember that for the first one we did, I optimistically ordered 100 copies from his publisher,” Cochran says. “We sold out in less than an hour and took orders for 200 more.
“Not only was Elmer a wonderful writer, but he was the kindest, most down-to-earth man I’ve ever known. On several occasions, I would be at his house, having coffee, when a complete stranger would knock on the door, carrying an armload of books he hoped to have autographed. Elmer would invite him in, pour him a cup of coffee and start signing. For all the awards and recognition he received, I don’t think he ever fully realized the remarkable impact his writing had on people.”
Among Cochran’s prized possessions is a first printing of Kelton’s 2004 novel, Texas Vendetta, which is dedicated to “Felton Cochran, Bookseller Extraordinaire.” Of course, it’s not for sale.
It wasn’t until Kelton’s passing in 2009 that his old friend finally put his bygone journalism studies to use. When TCU Press published a book of reflections on the fabled author, it included My Friend, Elmer Kelton, a moving essay written by Cochran.
Among the steady stream of ardent collectors of Kelton first editions to visit the Cactus Book Shop have been Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan and movie legend Robert Duvall.
They, like so many others before and since, left as satisfied customers. D
Speaking of the Rangers
It wouldn’t be a baseball game in Arlington without
Chuck Morgan
on the call
BY LORI GROSSMAN
If he’s said it once, he’s said it a thousand times: “It’s baseball time in Texas.”
And as that mellifluous greeting echoes softly around Globe Life Field, Chuck Morgan begins the soundtrack of a Texas Rangers baseball game. Even as players (and stadiums) have come and gone through the decades in Arlington, Morgan has been perched behind a microphone high in the press box as the stadium voice for the team.
It’s a job, but he freely admits he’s really just passionate about baseball, as he was as a kid in southern Illinois who dreamed about playing in the big leagues. But like most kids with such dreams, he ended up far off the base paths.
Instead, he found himself in Nashville, hosting an all-night radio show for truckers at country radio giant WSM-AM, home of the Grand Ole Opry, in the late 1970s. He welcomed country artists including Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe and Marty Robbins into the studio. On Saturday nights, he co-hosted the Opry and made a handful of appearances in cornfield sketches with George “Goober” Lindsey on the popular TV show Hee Haw
“On my late-night radio show, I would have a Hee Haw week in both June and October,” Morgan says. “The producer of the show, Sam Lovullo, would come over with a special guest or two. After a couple years of doing this, Sam said, ‘Chuck, we have never had you on. Come over tomorrow. We will get you some overalls and put you in the cornfield with Goober.’ ”
But Morgan also found a baseball field in Nashville, where he spent three seasons as the public-address announcer for the minor league Sounds, 1978–80.
“While working for the Sounds, I met Larry Schmittou,” Chuck recalls. “He left to join the Texas Rangers as vice president of marketing. One day, he called and asked if I wanted to work in the big leagues.
“My love for baseball won.”
Chuck Morgan, the stadium voice for the Texas Rangers, during the second game of the 2023 season. Little did he know then how glorious last season would turn out for Rangers Nation.
That was in 1983. Forty-one years later, many Texas Rangers fans have only ever known Morgan’s voice at Arlington’s ballparks (all three). There are no official records for major league baseball’s announcers, but according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, it’s widely believed Morgan lays claim to the longest streak of games among current announcers, including the 2002 season he spent with the Kansas City Royals.
He has announced the starting lineups for more than 3,250 consecutive games, including one of the Rangers’ historic World Series wins last season en route to the franchise’s first championship. And he’ll add the 2024 MLB All-Star Game to that list when Arlington hosts the Midsummer Classic on July 16 for only the second time in history.
One of Morgan’s microphones—the one he used for his 3,000th straight game September 26, 2020—has a home in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
These days, his official job title is executive vice president of game entertainment, promotions and production—a title that barely gets its arms around all that Morgan has brought to Rangers games over more than four decades.
“Basically, everything you see and hear when you come to Globe Life Field, I’m responsible for it,” he says.
Many of his ideas have become a cherished part of the ballpark experience, including his welcome at the beginning of each game.
“I’ve said, ‘It’s baseball time in Texas’ since the late 1990s
to honor former Rangers broadcaster Mark Holtz, who passed away in 1997,” Morgan says of continuing Holtz’s greeting.
Long-time Rangers employees told Morgan about other team traditions, including the playing of the tune CottonEyed Joe during the seventh-inning stretch. It’s still played today. His most-often imitated innovation might be the dot mascot races, which happen in the middle of the sixth inning.
“We’d done a simple black-and-white animation in Nashville,” Morgan says. “Later, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Morgan at what was originally called the Ballpark in Arlington, the Rangers’ second stadium in Texas. In his country music radio days in Nashville, Morgan rubbed shoulders with, from left, stars Bill Monroe, Roy Acuf and Barbara Mandrell. Morgan during the Rangers’ World Series victory parade.
Morgan has announced the starting lineups for more than 3,250 consecutive games, including one of the Rangers’ historic World Series wins last season en route to the franchise’s frst championship.
sportswriter Jim Reeves saw two lights chasing each other on the scoreboard at an Oklahoma City 89ers game. He suggested that I should do something like that. About a month later, in May of 1987, we had our first dot race in Arlington Stadium.”
Now Morgan’s voice is as much a part of a home game as any other Rangers tradition. His long-time colleague, Rangers radio play-by-play broadcaster Eric Nadel, thinks he knows why.
“He communicates tremendous passion without screaming at you the way many PA announcers do these days,” Nadel says. “His warmth as a person comes through loud and clear when you hear him, and his voice quality as a former radio star is second to none.”
That warmth likely soothed fans and players alike during the lean years, when the team wasn’t close to making the playoffs. That luck began to change in 1996, when they faced the New York Yankees in the franchise’s playoffs debut.
They lost that series in ’96, but 14 years later, they won their first American League pennant—beating the Yankees. Reaching the 2010 World Series was vindication—and sweet revenge—for the team, the fans and the front office, including Morgan.
“I had to temper my excitement because I had my job to
Baseball Times in Texas
APRIL 4, 1983 Chuck Morgan calls his frst MLB game, the Rangers’ home opener against the Chicago White Sox.
AUGUST 22, 1989 Nolan Ryan becomes the frst pitcher with 5,000 strikeouts when he fans Oakland’s Rickey Henderson.
MAY 1, 1991 Ryan throws his record seventh no-hitter in a 3-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.
JULY 28, 1994 Kenny Rogers pitches a perfect game, 4-0 over the California Angels.
2001 Morgan is named best PA announcer by The Sporting News, an honor he receives again in 2003.
JULY 30, 2017 Adrián Beltré gets his 3,000th hit.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2020 Morgan’s 3,000th straight game behind the mic, a Rangers win against the Houston Astros. The mic he used is now in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
OCTOBER 2020 Morgan works the National League divisional and championship series and the World Series, all played in Arlington after the postseason format was altered because of the pandemic.
JULY 16, 2024 Globe Life Field will host the 94th MLB All-Star Game.
do,” he says. “But like the fans, it was very emotional. And the crowd was so loud. It was a great feeling to know that the Rangers had won the AL championship and were going to their first World Series.”
The Rangers lost to the San Francisco Giants that year. They made it back to the World Series in 2011, only to suffer a gut-wrenching loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. That loss wasn’t laid to rest until last year. The Rangers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks—51 years after the franchise moved to Arlington from Washington in 1972—and won their first World Series, four games to one.
“I was in Arizona for Game 5, and it was one of the great experiences of my life,” Morgan says. “It doesn’t get any better than that.”
While Morgan and Ranger fans celebrated, the players were singing their favorite song from the amazing 2023 season—Creed’s Higher—in the beer- and champagnesoaked visiting clubhouse. Morgan might want to include it in his Globe Life Field playlist from time to time.
And how about one more song for the winners of the 2023 World Series?
We Are the Champions D
Now you can own a 1921 Morgan silver dollar from the last year of the classic series! Big, heavy and handsome – with over 3⁄4 of an ounce of 90% silver – genuine Morgan dollars like these were struck in silver from old western mines. Once used by rough and ready frontiersmen, today Morgan dollars are a vanishing legacy of America’s past –genuine history you can hold in your hand!
You’ll also receive a handpicked trial selection of fascinating coins from our No-Obligation Coins-on-Approval Service, from which you may purchase any or none of the coins – return balance within 15 days – with option to cancel at any time.
Never to be minted again!
Although millions of these silver coins were melted in the 1900s, the 1921 Morgan – from the final year of the classic series – survived. Never to be minted again, this historic Morgan dollar can be yours for just $29.95 (regularly $87.00) –SAVE 65% off regular prices! Order today and get FREE shipping to your home!
1920s Style for a 1920s Price
It was a warm summer afternoon and my wife and I were mingling with the best of them. The occasion was a 1920s-themed party, and everyone was dressed to the nines. Parked on the manse’s circular driveway was a beautiful classic convertible. It was here that I got the idea for our new 1920s Retrograde Watch.
Never ones to miss an opportunity, we carefully steadied our glasses of bubbly and climbed into the car’s long front seat. Among the many opulent features on display was a series of dashboard dials that accentuated the car’s lavish aura. One of those dials inspired our 1920s Retrograde Watch, a genuinely unique timepiece that marries timeless style with modern technology.
With its remarkable retrograde hour and minute indicators, sunburst guilloche face and precision movement, this design is truly one of a kind. What does retrograde mean? Instead of displaying the hands rotating on an axis like most watches, the hands sweep in a semicircle, then return to their starting point and begin all over again.
Retrograde watches by the big brands can set you back thousands; one recent offering from a big French fashion house is selling for more than $150,000! But because we’ve designed the 1920s Retrograde Watch in-house, we can offer it to you for just $99!
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JOIN MORE THAN 1 MILLION SMART PEOPLE WHO LOVE STAUER WATCHES
Watch Specifications:
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• Brown genuine leather band
• Fits wrists up to 8"
1920s Retrograde Watch
$399 $99* + S&P Save $300
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
“An elegant and exciting timepiece that every collector will love.”
— George Tomas, internationally renowned watch expert
“[A] unique and beautiful timepiece.”
— Carlos C., Los Banos, CA
Not only are these hefty bars one full Troy ounce of real, .999 precious silver, they’re also beautiful, featuring the crisp image of a Morgan Silver Dollar struck onto the surface. That collectible image adds interest and makes these Silver Bars even more desirable. Minted in the U.S.A. from shimmering American silver, these one-ounce 99.9% fine silver bars are a great alternative to one-ounce silver coins or rounds. Plus, they offer great savings compared to other bullion options like one-ounce sovereign silver coins. Take advantage of our special offer for new customers only and save $10.00 off our regular prices.
Morgan Silver Dollars Are Among the Most Iconic Coins in U.S. History
What makes them iconic? The Morgan Silver Dollar is the legendary coin that built the Wild West. It exemplifies the American spirit like few other coins, and was created using silver mined from the famous Comstock Lode in Nevada. In fact, when travelers approached the mountains around the boomtown of Virginia City, Nevada in the 1850s, they were startled to see the hills shining in the sunlight like a mirror. A mirage caused by weary eyes?
No, rather the effect came from tiny flecks of silver glinting in the sun.
A Special Way for You to Stock Up on Precious Silver
While no one can predict the future value of silver in an uncertain economy, many Americans are rushing to get their hands on as much silver as possible, putting it away for themselves and their loved ones. You’ll enjoy owning these Silver Bars. They’re tangible. They feel good when you hold them, You’ll relish the design and thinking about all it represents.
These Morgan Design One-Ounce Bars make appreciated gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and graduations, creating a legacy sure to be cherished for a lifetime.
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Energy Scams Unmasked
Consumers have long been targets for utility scams, but in today’s digital world, every swipe and click increases the risk. Scammers are more sophisticated than ever before, and with their sharpened digital knives, criminals have adapted their tactics to trick unsuspecting consumers and bleed your wallet dry.
Magic Valley Electric Cooperative wants to help you avoid energy scams, whether a financial loss or leak of personal information. This month, I’d like to share updates on some the latest utility scams we’re seeing as well as tips to help you avoid getting ripped off.
Recent Rip-offs
BRIAN R. ACOSTA
Scammers typically disguise themselves—either physically or digitally— as utility employees or representatives to steal consumers’ money or personal information. A common trick is to claim a consumer’s bill is past due and threaten to disconnect service if payment isn’t received immediately. Scammers approach consumers through a variety of means, including phone calls, text messages, emails and even in-person visits. Spoofing can make the phone number you see on caller ID appear to be from a trusted source, making it difficult to immediately verify the call. Another scam uses fraudulent websites that are identical to a utility payment site—and these pages are often promoted on search engines to trick consumers into clicking and making a payment.
Posing as a contact who claims you overpaid your bill and that you’ll receive a cash or banking refund is another approach. This offer may seem too good to be true, and it is—it’s likely a scam aimed to steal your personal information.
Spotting a Scam
Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency, like claiming your electricity or other services will be disconnected if a payment isn’t made immediately. Additionally, scammers may ask for unusual payment methods such as gift cards or cryptocurrency. If someone is pushing for such a payment method, it’s likely a scam. You’ve probably noticed that many digital scams, like emails or text messages, include poor grammar, misspellings and odd email addresses. These are red flags, so when you see these dodgy forms of communication, consider it a potential scam.
What We Won’t Do
MVEC will never demand an instant, immediate payment or threaten to disconnect your service without prior notices or warnings. We strive to resolve challenging situations and work with our members to avoid disconnects. MVEC will never ask for your Social Security number or banking details over the phone or through email. We offer several secure payment options, including in-person, through our website at magicvalley.coop and our mobile app, or by calling us at (866)225-5683.
Avoiding Scams
Whether in person, over the phone or online, always be suspicious of anyone claiming to be an MVEC employee requesting banking or other personal information. If you’re ever in doubt about a potential scam, just give us a quick call. We want to help protect you from utility frauds, and, by notifying us about potential scams, you can create the first line of defense. Then, we can spread the word and prevent others in our
P.O. Box 267 2200 West 2nd Street
Mercedes, TX 78570
GENERAL MANAGER
Brian R. Acosta
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Barbara S. Miller, President
Rolando Alaniz, Vice President
Douglas P. Martin, Secretary-Treasurer
Frank A. Ferris,
Assistant Secretary-Treasurer
Adrienne Peña-Garza, Board Member
David S. Morales, Board Member
Joshua L. Klostermann, Board Member
PAYMENT OPTIONS
• MVEC Connect App
• Online bill payment
• AutoPay
• Visa, Discover, AMEX and Master Card accepted
DISTRICT OFFICES
• 2910 W. Monte Cristo Rd. Edinburg, 78541
• 1825 N. Indiana Rd. Brownsville, 78521
• 1311 S. Cage Blvd. Pharr, 78577
• 411 S. Val Verde Rd. San Carlos, 78542
Brian R. Acosta General Manager
CONTACT US For outages and all customer service inquiries CALL US 1-866-225-5683
Find us on the web magicvalley.coop
TEXAS DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Hurricane Preparedness Guidelines
Hurricane season is June 1–November 30
Preparedness Checklist
e Make an evacuation plan. Find activated evacuation routes at drivetexas.org or by dialing 1-800-452-9292. Call 211 to fnd out if you live in an evacuation zone.
e Sign up for emergency alerts. Make sure your mobile device is enabled to receive wireless emergency alerts.
e Prepare an emergency supply kit. Learn how to build an emergency kit at ready.gov/build-akit
e Review your home insurance policy.
e Register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry at stear.tdem.texas.gov or by dialing 211 if you live in an evacuation zone and:
• Have a disability or medical needs and do not have a car or other vehicle to use in an evacuation.
• Have a disability or medical needs and do not have friends or family to help in an evacuation. Information collected for STEAR is confdential.
Hurricane Preparedness Online Resources
Texas Division of Emergency Management: tdem. texas.gov
Texas Department of State Health Services: texasready.gov
American Red Cross: redcross.org
U.S. Department of Homeland Security: ready.gov
Ofce of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott: gov.texas.gov
Mike’s Smoked Brisket
2 cups dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup seasoned salt
1 beef brisket (10 to 16 pounds)
1. Mix sugar and spices. Rub on brisket and wrap with plastic wrap. Put in refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
2. Remove from plastic and wrap in heavy foil. Place in 225-degree smoker (low to medium fre) with fat side down for 3 hours.
3. Place brisket in an empty 40-quart cooler for 12 hours (and don’t open the lid).
4. Put back on smoker for 6 hours at 225 degrees.
5. Let set for 30 minutes before slicing.
Serves 24 – 40
Why Is My Electric Bill So High?
If your electric bill seems higher than it used to be, it’s time to investigate.
Check your history. First, review your bills over the past year. You might be surprised to see how much your usage fluctuates depending on the season.
Check the weather. Fluctuations in outdoor temperatures can lead your family to crank up the air conditioning on hot days. Most people use more electricity during the hottest summer months than at any other time of the year.
Check what’s plugged in. If you thought your bill would be lower when your family was on vacation, you might be surprised to realize that many appliances still use electricity when the house is empty. In fact, any appliance plugged into the wall uses electricity, whether anybody is home to use them or not.
Check your lifestyle. If your college-age child is home for the summer, your electric bill will be a bit higher than it was while he or she was away. If your grandkids are enjoying their vacation at your house, your bill could go up. If you’ve added a major appliance, like a pool with a pump, a hot tub or even an oversized TV, that will a!ect your power bill, too.
Don’t check with the neighbors. No two families use electricity the same way. If you believe your bill is too high because your neighbor’s is lower, you’re not making an even comparison. The better comparison is between your use of electricity now compared with the same time last year.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Independence Day Thursday, July 4
Our ofces will be closed for the holiday.
Ice Cream Day Sunday, July 21
New Appliances Cost You for Years
When shopping for new appliances, there are two price tags you should consider:
1. The purchase price of the appliance (think of this as a down payment).
2. The cost to operate the appliance over its lifetime (how much energy the appliance uses).
That second price is important because you’ll be paying for the appliance’s energy use for the next 10–20 years. Here are some tips to get the most out of your investment.
Avoid buyer’s regret—don’t impulse buy. It’s easy to be tempted by a big sale, new features or a nifty design.
• Look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star-qualified products exceed the federal minimum standards for e!ciency and quality.
• Carefully review the EnergyGuide label on the appliance. The label provides information about how much energy an appliance uses compared to similar models.
• Once you choose your make and model, compare prices. Keep in mind that many retailers will match a lower price o"ered by competitors.
Recycle or sell your old appliance. Ask the retailer if they’ll pick up your old appliance, or you can sell it yourself. Even nonworking appliances can have value to appliance repairers or metal scrappers. Either is better than the landfill.
Fireworks and Power Lines Don’t Mix
If your family enjoys lighting sparklers or other legal fireworks on the Fourth of July, be sure to do so far away from power lines. If you can see a power line, even in the distance, find somewhere else.
When any kind of firecracker touches a power line, it can cause a fire, a power outage or injuries.
Should a firework accidentally come into contact with an overhead power line, call Magic Valley Electric Cooperative and 911 immediately.
Remember these additional safety tips:
• Children should never help adults with fireworks. Do not give children fireworks, sparklers or matches.
• Firework spectators should be at least 20 feet away and not downwind of fireworks.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, level surface away from anything flammable.
• Read all instructions on fireworks.
• Keep water close by in case of a fire.
• If your fireworks don’t light or they malfunction, never try to relight.
Your best bet: Take the family to watch a fireworks display supervised by professionals in a public location away from your home.
MENSAJE
BRIAN R. ACOSTA
Estafas de la luz al descubierto
Los consumidores . durante mucho tiempo han sido blanco de estafas por electricidad, pero en el mundo digital actual, cada vez que haces clic o deslizas el dedo por la pantalla, el riesgo aumenta. Los estafadores son más sofisticados que nunca y, con sus cuchillos digitales afilados, los delincuentes han mejorado sus tácticas para engañar a los consumidores desprevenidos y vaciar sus billeteras. Magic Valley Electric Cooperative quiere ayudarte a evitar las estafas por electricidad, ya sea una pérdida financiera o una filtración de información personal. Este mes, me gustaría compartir información sobre algunas de las últimas estafas de la luz que hemos visto, así como consejos para ayudarte a evitar ser estafado.
Estafas recientes
Los estafadores suelen disfrazarse, ya sea física o digitalmente, como empleados o representantes de la compañía eléctrica para robar el dinero o la información personal de los consumidores. Un truco común de los estafadores es afirmar que la factura de un consumidor está vencida y amenazar con desconectar el servicio si no se recibe el pago de inmediato. Los estafadores se acercan a los consumidores a través de varios medios, incluyendo llamadas telefónicas, mensajes de texto, correos electrónicos y hasta visitas en persona. La suplantación de identidad puede hacer que el número de teléfono que ves en el identificador de llamadas parezca ser de una fuente confiable, lo que dificulta verificar inmediatamente la llamada.
Otro tipo de estafa utiliza sitios web fraudulentos que son idénticos a un sitio de pago de la luz , y estas páginas a menudo se promocionan en motores de búsqueda para conseguir que los consumidores hagan clic para hacer un pago. Hacerse pasar por un contacto que afirma que te excediste en el pago de tu factura y que recibirás un reembolso en efectivo o bancario es otro enfoque. Esta oferta puede parecer demasiado buena para ser verdad, y lo es: probablemente sea una estafa destinada a robar tu información personal.
Cómo detectar una estafa Los estafadores a menudo usan tácticas de alta presión para crear un sentido de urgencia, como afirmar que tu electricidad u otros servicios serán desconectados si no se realiza un pago de inmediato. Además, los estafadores pueden pedir métodos de pago inusuales como tarjetas de regalo o criptomonedas. Si alguien insiste en un método de pago de este tipo, posiblemente sea una estafa. Probablemente hayas notado que muchas estafas digitales, como correos electrónicos o mensajes de texto, incluyen mala gramática, errores ortográficos y direcciones de correo electrónico extrañas. Estas son señales de alerta, así que cuando veas estas formas dudosas de comunicación, considera esto como una posible estafa.
Lo que no haremos
MVEC nunca exigirá un pago instantáneo e inmediato ni amenazará con desconectar tu servicio sin avisos o advertencias previas. Nos esforzamos por resolver situaciones difíciles y trabajar con nuestros miembros para evitar desconexiones. MVEC nunca pedirá tu número de Seguro Social ni detalles bancarios por teléfono o correo electrónico. Ofrecemos varias opciones de pago seguras, incluyendo en persona, a través de magicvalley. coop y la APP MVEC Mobile, y por teléfono, llamando al (866) 225-5683.
Cómo evitar estafas
Ya sea en persona, por teléfono o en línea, siempre desconfía de cualquier persona que afirme ser un empleado de MVEC solicitando información bancaria u otra información personal.Si alguna vez tienes dudas sobre una posible estafa relacionada con la luz, solo llámanos. Queremos ayudarte a protegerte de fraudes de servicios públicos, y al notificarnos sobre posibles estafas, puedes crear la primera línea de defensa. Entonces, podemos correr la voz y evitar que otros en nuestra comunidad se conviertan en víctimas.
GERENTE GENERAL
Brian R. Acosta
MESA DIRECTIVA
Barbara S. Miller, Presidente
Rolando Alaniz, Vicepresidente
Douglas P. Martin, Secretario-Tesorero
Frank A. Ferris, Asistente SecretarioTesorero
Adrienne Peña-Garza, Directora
David S. Morales, Director
Joshua L. Klostermann, Director
OPCIONES DE PAGO
• Pago en línea
• Aplicación móvil MVEC Connect
• Giro bancario automático
• Visa, Discover. AMEX y Master Card aceptadas como forma de pago
OFICINAS DE DISTRITO
• 2910 W. Monte Cristo Rd. Edinburg, 78541
• 1825 N. Indiana Rd. Brownsville, 78521
• 1311 S. Cage Blvd Pharr, 78577
• 411 S. Val Verde Rd. San Carlos, 78542
Gerente General
DIVISIÓN DE ADMINISTRACIÓN DE EMERGENCIAS DE TEXAS
Preparación para huracanes
La temporada de huracanes es del 1 de junio al 30 de noviembre
Lista de verifcación de preparación:
e Haga un plan de evacuación. Encuentre rutas de evacuación activadas en drivetexas.org o marcando 1-800-452-9292. Llame 211 para averiguar si usted vive en una zona de evacuación.
e Regístrese para recibir alertas de emergencia. Asegúrese de que su dispositivo móvil esté habilitado para recibir alertas de emergencia inalámbricas.
e Prepare un kit de emergencia. Aprenda como construir un kit de emergencia en ready.gov/builda-kit
e Revise su póliza de seguro de hogar.
e Regístrese con el Registro de Asistencia de Emergencia del Estado de Texas en stear.tdem. texas.gov o marcando el 211 si vive en una zona de evacuación y:
• Tiene una discapacidad o necesidades médicas y no tiene un auto u otro vehículo para usar en una evacuación.
• Tiene una discapacidad o necesidades médicas y no tiene amigos o familiares para ayudar en una evacuación.
La información recolectada para STEAR es confdencial.
Recursos en línea para la preparación para huracanes
División de Administración de Emergencias de Texas: tdem.texas.gov
Departamento de Servicios de Salud del Estado: texasready.gov
Cruz Roja Americana: redcross.org
Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de los Estados Unidos: ready.gov
Ofcina del Gobernador de Texas Greg Abbott: gov. texas.gov
Brisket ahumado de Mike
- 2 tazas de azúcar morena oscura
- 1 cucharadita de chile en polvo
- 1/2 cucharadita de pimienta de cayena
- 1 cucharadita de pimentón o paprika
- 1/2 cucharadita de ajo en polvo
- 1 taza de sal sazonada
- 1 brisket de res de 10 a 16 libras (4.5 a 7.3 kilos)
1. Mezcla el azúcar y las especias. Frota la mezcla sobre el brisket y envuélvelo con plástico. Ponlo en el refrigerador por al menos 24 horas.
2. Retira el plástico y envuelve en papel aluminio grueso. Coloca en un ahumador a 225 grados Fahrenheit (fuego bajo a medio), con el lado de la grasa hacia abajo durante 3 horas.
3. Coloca el brisket en una hielera de 40 cuartos vacía durante 12 horas (y no abras la tapa).
4. Vuelve a ponerlo en el ahumador durante 6 horas a 225 grados.
5. Déjalo reposar durante 30 minutos antes de cortarlo en rebanadas.
Rinde para 24–40 personas
REBECCAFONDREN ISTOCK.COM
¿Por qué está tan alta mi factura de electricidad?
Si tu factura de electricidad parece más alta de lo que solía ser, es hora de investigar.
Revisa tu historial. Primero, revisión de tus facturas del último año. Podrías sorprenderte al ver cuánto fluctúa tu consumo dependiendo de la temporada.
Revisa el clima. Las fluctuaciones en las temperaturas exteriores pueden llevar a tu familia a aumentar el uso del aire acondicionado en días especialmente calurosos. La mayoría de las personas usan más electricidad durante los meses más calurosos del verano que en cualquier otra época del año. El frío invernal también puede incrementar las facturas de electricidad.
Revisa lo que está enchufado. Si pensabas que tu factura sería más baja cuando tu familia se fuera de vacaciones, podrías sorprenderte al darte cuenta de que muchos electrodomésticos siguen usando electricidad cuando la casa está vacía. Tu refrigerador y la bomba de agua, por ejemplo, siguen funcionando mientras estás fuera, a menos que los desconectes. De hecho, cualquier electrodoméstico enchufado a la pared usa electricidad, ya sea que alguien esté en casa para usarlos o no.
Revisa tu estilo de vida. Si tu hijo en edad universitaria está en casa durante el verano, tu factura de electricidad será un poco más alta que cuando él o ella estaba fuera. Si tus nietos están disfrutando de sus vacaciones en tu casa, tu factura podría aumentar. Si has agregado un electrodoméstico importante, como una piscina con bomba, un jacuzzi o incluso un televisor grande, eso también afectará tu factura de electricidad.
No compares con los vecinos. Ninguna familia usa la electricidad de la misma manera, por lo que si crees que tu factura es demasiado alta porque la de tu vecino es más baja, no estás haciendo una comparación justa. La mejor comparación es entre tu uso de electricidad ahora y el mismo período del año anterior.
Día de la Independencia Jueves, 4 de julio Nuestras ofcinas estarán cerradas por el feriado.
Día del Helado Domingo, 21 de julio
MARCA TU CALENDARIO
Los electrodomésticos nuevos te pueden costar durante años
Cuando compres nuevos electrodomésticos, hay dos etiquetas de precio que debes considerar:
1. El precio de compra del electrodoméstico (piensa en esto como un pago inicial).
2. El costo de operar el electrodoméstico durante su vida útil (cuánta energía usa el electrodoméstico).
Ese segundo precio es importante porque estarás pagando por el uso de energía del electrodoméstico durante los próximos 10–20 años. Aquí tienes algunos consejos para obtener el máximo provecho de tu inversión.
Evita el arrepentimiento del comprador: no compres por impulso. Es fácil sentirse tentado por una gran oferta, nuevas funciones o un diseño atractivo.
• Busca la etiqueta Energy Star. Los productos calificados por Energy Star superan los estándares mínimos federales de eficiencia y calidad.
• Revisa cuidadosamente la etiqueta EnergyGuide en el electrodoméstico. La etiqueta proporciona información sobre cuánta energía usa un electrodoméstico en comparación con modelos similares.
• Una vez que elijas tu marca y modelo, compara precios. Ten en cuenta que muchas tiendas igualarán un precio más bajo ofrecido por competidores.
Recicla o vende tu electrodoméstico viejo. Pregunta en la tienda si recogerán tu electrodoméstico viejo, o puedes venderlo tú mismo. Incluso los electrodomésticos que no funcionan pueden tener valor para reparadores de electrodomésticos o recolectores de metal. Cualquier opción es mejor que el vertedero.
Los fuegos artifciales y líneas eléctricas no se mezclan
Si tu familia disfruta encendiendo bengalas u otros fuegos artificiales legales el 4 de julio, asegúrate de hacerlo lejos de las líneas eléctricas. Si puedes ver una línea eléctrica, incluso a lo lejos, busca otro lugar. Cuando cualquier tipo de petardo toca una línea eléctrica, puede causar un incendio, un corte de energía o lesiones.
Si un fuego artificial accidentalmente entra en contacto con una línea eléctrica aérea, llama inmediatamente a Magic Valley Electric Cooperative y al 911.
Recuerda estos consejos de seguridad adicionales:
• Los niños nunca deben ayudar a los adultos con fuegos artificiales. No les des fuegos artificiales, bengalas ni fósforos.
• Los espectadores de fuegos artificiales deben estar al menos a seis metros de distancia y no a favor del viento de los fuegos artificiales.
• Solo enciende fuegos artificiales en una superficie lisa y nivelada, lejos de cualquier cosa inflamable.
• Lee todas las instrucciones en los fuegos artificiales.
• Mantén agua cerca en caso de incendio.
• Si tus fuegos artificiales no se encienden o fallan, nunca intentes volver a encenderlos.
Tu mejor opción: lleva a la familia a ver un espectáculo de fuegos artificiales supervisado por profesionales en un lugar público, lejos de tu casa.
Vegan Panhandlers
And other demonyms across Texas bend and break the rules of language
BY W.F. STRONG • ILLUSTRATION BY SHAW NIELSEN
LATELY I’VE BEEN on a deep dive into “demonymology.” Sounds ominous, but it’s simply the study of what people from certain places call themselves. There are general rules for demonyms, but there’s nothing that can’t be broken for phonetic aesthetics or preference—or even whimsy.
For instance, adding “-ites” to a place name is a biblical tradition for identifying the people there: Canaanites, Levites, etc. So folks in Dallas are Dallasites, people in Dumas are Dumasites and residents of Paris, Texas, would be known as Parisites —except they’ve adopted the French custom and call themselves Parisians.
We have many unusual, rather unpredictable demonyms in Texas. Ivanhoe
could be Ivanhoers, but if you say it too fast it sounds indelicate. So Ivanhoans is preferred. Carthage? Carthaginians. Leander? Leanderthals. That one is the result of an important archaeological find near there.
What do you call people in Cactus? Cacti? Could be Cactusians, but that sounds like a cough. What about Cut and Shoot? They are Cut and Shooters. Rough crowd. Commerce is also a challenge. Are they Commercials? Commercians? No, probably Commercites. The demonym for Waco isn’t Wackos but Wacoans. Comfort is interesting. Are they Comforters? Actually, yes. Dime Box has Dime Boxers. Alice has a truly sophisticated demonym. They’re Alicians.
Listen as W.F. Strong narrates this story on our website.
Corpus Christi is made up of Corpus Christians. No holier demonym than that, I’d suppose.
For places ending in “-o,” just add “-an.” Laredoans, San Angeloans, El Pasoans. Amarillo? Depends on whether you say Amarillo or Amarilla; George Strait sings Amarillo by Morning. So I go with him. The demonym, therefore, is Amarilloans. San Antonio cannot follow this rule. “San Antonioans” is phonetically awkward. So we throw out the rule and just go with what sounds better: San Antonians.
If you have an “-on” ending, then by custom, add “-ian” to create the demonym. Houston becomes Houstonian. Sinton becomes Sintonian. Denton is Dentonian.
People in Austin seem to prefer Austinites. Austonian, though, cannot be the demonym. It’s the adjective for style. You can say, “I love the Austonian vibe,” for instance.
For places ending in “-burg,” you just add “-er.” Fredericksburgers, Rosenburgers. Seems like we should have a town named Whataburg. Those residents would then be Whataburgers. I might move there just to be one.
Folks in Marfa are Marfans, but if they were Marfalites, it would be good marketing.
People in Paradise are Paradisians. Vega, in the Panhandle, has Vegans. Happy has Happians. Wink has Winkers. And Victoria has Victorians.
No matter what we are by demonym, we’re all collectively Texans. And that, to me, is about the best thing in the world a person can be D
Frozen Treats
Hello, July! Hello, Texas heat! Hello, relief.
BY VIANNEY RODRIGUEZ, FOOD EDITOR
Nothing hits the spot after a hot day better than an icy paleta (popsicle). My coconut horchata paletas will keep you cool all summer long. Made from a base of horchata, a popular Mexican drink made by soaking rice in water, my paletas are light and refreshing with a hint of vanilla.
Coconut Horchata Paletas
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, divided use
½ cup uncooked white rice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
4 cups hot water
4 cups room temperature water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup sugar
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place ¼ cup coconut on a baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, until coconut is lightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
2. To a blender add rice, the remaining ¾ cup coconut, cinnamon and hot water. Cover and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Blend until smooth. Strain into a pitcher.
3. Stir in room temperature water, vanilla and sugar. Taste for sweetness, and add more sugar if desired.
4. Pour the coconut horchata into a popsicle mold. Freeze overnight. Serve, sprinkled with the toasted coconut.
S ERVES 6
Follow Vianney Rodriguez as she cooks in Cocina Gris at sweetlifebake.com, where she features a recipe for Coconut Orange Frozen Bars.
Frozen Raspberry Squares
CLAUDIA PALACIOS SELLERS MIDSOUTH EC
This no-fuss dessert Palacios Sellers has been whipping up since 1998 is always a hit at her home. Berries and chocolate are the ultimate combo. With storebought cookies and just a few additional ingredients, you can make a delicious berry delight at home.
1 cup fnely crushed Oreos, about 14 cookies
2 tablespoons (¼ stick) butter, melted ½ cup sugar
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup sour cream
12 ounces frozen raspberries Chocolate syrup for serving
1. Coat an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine crushed Oreos with butter. Press mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
2. In another bowl, stir together sugar, half-and-half, and sour cream. Fold in frozen raspberries and spread mixture evenly over cookie crust.
3. Cover and freeze 3–4 hours. Remove from freezer 10 minutes before serving. Slice into squares and serve drizzled with chocolate syrup.
S ERVES 9
$500 WINNER
Mammaw’s
Peanut Butter Ice Cream Treats
KIM NEW BIG COUNTRY EC
A sweet mashup of two childhood favorites, this recipe from New’s motherin-law, Betty Sargent, is truly spectacular. From birthday parties to summer potlucks or movie nights, I’ll be enjoying these peanut butter treats all year-round.
SERVES 9
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup light corn syrup
6 cups crisp rice cereal
1 quart vanilla ice cream
COOK’S TIP Leftover squares can be individually placed in plastic wrap and stored in the freezer for later.
1. Line two 8-by-8-inch metal pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, stir together peanut butter and corn syrup. Add cereal 1 or 2 cups at a time, stirring to coat with the peanut butter and corn syrup mixture.
3. Divide mixture evenly between the two pans. With damp hands, press mixture evenly into pans. Freeze 1 hour.
4. Scoop and spread ice cream evenly over cereal mixture in one pan. Run knife around edges of frozen cereal mixture in the other pan to release it onto top of ice cream. Press gently and return to freezer for 30 minutes. Slice into squares and serve.
$500 Recipe Contest
COOKIE EXCHANGE DUE JULY 10
Want to trade your best cookies for $500? Send us the recipe your friends always rave about and that could be your prize money. Enter by July 10 for a chance to win $500.
Pistachio Freeze
RUBY COWAN
HOUSTON COUNTY EC
If you’re craving a deliciously salty and sweet dessert, Cowan has got you covered. I simply love the lightly salty cracker crust that pairs so well with the pistachio pudding. Bonus: This sweet and salty treat comes together in a snap!
55 butter crackers, divided use ¾ cup (1½ sticks) butter, melted 2 cups milk
2 packages pistachio pudding mix (3.4 ounces each)
1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened 2 cups frozen whipped topping
1. In a large resealable plastic bag, crush 50 crackers with a rolling pin. Combine with butter and press into a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, stir together milk and pudding. Add ice cream and whipped topping, stir to combine. Pour mixture over the crust. Crush remaining crackers with your hands and sprinkle over mixture.
3. Cover and freeze at least 1 hour. Slice and serve.
SERVES
10
Find the August 2014 issue in our online archive and discover the best Co-op Country recipes in that month’s Just Chill contest.
No-Guilt Goodies
BY VIANNEY RODRIGUEZ
How frozen fruit can become a delightful snack:
Spread yogurt on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and top with diced fresh fruit and nuts. Freeze, slice and serve.
Blend a frozen, peeled banana in a food processor with coconut milk for a delicious ice cream.
Drizzle melted chocolate over diced fruit spread on a parchment paperlined baking sheet, freeze and enjoy.
Slice watermelon wedges, insert a popsicle stick into the rind and freeze for a guilt-free popsicle.
Wash and fully dry fresh grapes. Place in a zip-close bag and freeze overnight for a refreshing snack.
Face to Face With History
Look into the mystery of the Malakof Man at the Pearce Museum
BY CHET GARNER
A GROUP OF WORKERS near the East Texas town of Malakoff made an unusual discovery near the Trinity River in 1929. They were digging out a gravel pit when they unearthed a round stone about the size of a basketball lying 20 feet below ground level.
As they looked at its smooth surface, the stone seemed to be looking back at them through two carved eyes. Was this a prehistoric sculpture? And how did it get buried in dirt that at the time was believed to be 100,000 years old—when humans didn’t get to Texas until some 20,000 years ago? I had the same questions and set off for the Pearce Museum in Corsicana, southeast of Dallas, to get answers.
I was stunned by the wealth of artifacts inside this little-known museum on the campus of Navarro College. I could have spent hours exploring the immense Civil War collection, but I was on a mission for the mysterious. In a back room, I found three carved heads surrounded by Native American projectile points and an impressive hunter-gatherer display.
It turns out that following the original discovery in the Malakoff quarry, archaeologists found two more heads in the same vicinity. As far as explanations go, it seems science is as stumped as I am.
These unusual heads have as many supporters as they do critics, with some scientists attempting to discredit their integrity. Some believe them to be all-out fakes while others argue that they’re authentic, dating them to when Paleo-Indians were known to have been in the Americas, roughly 9,000–15,000 years ago.
Unfortunately the dig site was flooded, halting any further investigations (insert conspiracy theories here). Regardless, it was fun staring down a mystery that can stare right back. D
ABOVE Malakof Man confounds Chet, as the stone heads have done for many over the past century.
See these Malakof heads for yourself in the video on our website. And see all Chet’s Texplorations on The Daytripper on PBS.
Know Before You Go
Call ahead or check an event’s website for scheduling details, and check our website for many more upcoming events.
JULY
6
8
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Fredericksburg [6–7, 20–21] Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing, (830) 997-2359, gillespiefair.com
Lampasas [8–14] Spring Ho, (512) 556-5301, springho.com
Levelland [11–13] Junior Rodeo Cowboys Association Finals, (806) 290-2848, jrcarodeo.com
Mason [11–13] Round Up Weekend, (325) 347-5758, masontx.org
12
13
Midland [12–14] Celebration of the Arts, (432) 687-1149, acmidland.org
Ingram [12–Aug. 9] Summer ArtMart, (830) 367-5121, hcaf.com
Weatherford Parker County Peach Festival, (817) 596-3801, parker countypeachfestival.com
New Braunfels [13–14] Petfest, (830) 488-7814, hillcountryconferences.com
17
Kilgore [17–20, 25–27] Tinker Bell, (903) 983-8601, texasshakespeare.com
19
Brenham Puppy Pals, (979) 337-7240, thebarnhillcenter.com
Friona Cheeseburger Festival & Cook-Of, (806) 250-3491, friona-chamber.com
Clute [25–27] The Great Texas Mosquito Festival, 1-800-371-2971, mosquitofestival.com
Levelland [26–27] Fearless Champions Summer Showcase, (806) 894-4161, facebook.com/fearless championsfallshowcase
Fredericksburg [26–28] Hill Country Swap Meet, (254) 751-7958, earhartproductions.com
Bufalo Gap Tour de Gap, (325) 829-0617, tourdegap.com
Giddings Sip & Shop Christmas in July, (979) 542-3455, giddingstx.com
McKinney Magical Moth Night, (972) 562-5566, heardmuseum.org
Bandera [27–28] National Day of the American Cowboy, (210) 632-4535, banderabusiness.com 28
San Angelo Bufalo Soldier Anniversary Day, (325) 6574444, fortconcho.com
New Braunfels Already Gone: A Tribute to The Eagles, (830) 627-0808, brauntex.org Submit Your Event
We pick events for the magazine directly from TexasCoopPower.com. Submit your October event by August 1, and it just might be featured in this
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Shells and Scales
1 TRACY COSTELLO
PEDERNALES EC
“I found this small garter snake in the oregano plant in the backyard. I had to wait patiently for this little one to trust me enough to make an appearance.”
2 CYRIL FERNANDES
PEDERNALES EC
“The green anole is found throughout the eastern third of Texas, and it can change color from brown to green. Males have a pink throat fan called a dewlap that can be pufed up.”
3 RICK KIEFFER BLUEBONNET EC
“Spotted this little guy while camping at Cedar Breaks Park on Lake Georgetown.”
4 TERESA MOULDS BIG COUNTRY EC
“While this eastern hognose poses, a gorgone checkerspot alights on its head. The snake was in display mode, stretching the skin around head and neck in an efort to scare away large predators, me in this case.”
Upcoming Contests
DUE JUL 10 Mascots
DUE AUG 10 Young Photographers
DUE SEP 10 Parks
Enter online at TexasCoopPower.com/contests.
See Focus on Texas on our website for many more Shells and Scales photos from readers.
Slithering and silently sneaking their way to the top this month are creatures that use their shells and scales as disguises, protection and even homes. Let’s appreciate their photos, even if they might give us pause in real life.
BY GRACE FULTZ
Culling Time
When tomato farming in Jacksonville meant selling the best and savoring the rest
BY CYNTHIA L. MATLOCK ILLUSTRATION BY SARAH FERONE
THE OTHER DAY, while picking tomatoes from my garden, I remembered how, growing up in the 1970s, we gathered under the large oak tree in my parents’ yard and made tough decisions. Which produce would go to town?
Of all the crops we grew, tomatoes were my favorite because someone always brought a saltshaker to the fields. A misshapen or overripe tomato was a prime fruit for eating. Right there in the field, I would stop and enjoy the juicy snack.
After picking the ripe ones—and a few yellow and large green ones, too—we headed home around midmorning, sweaty and tired. The important part was next: culling time.
The prettiest, most perfectly shaped red tomatoes went into one basket,
while the blemished, funny-shaped or otherwise flawed ones filled another basket. Under the shade tree, a breeze kept us cool while we’d chat and separate the produce.
About 55 years prior, around 1917, the farms surrounding Jacksonville, in Cherokee County, south of Tyler, produced 90% of the tomatoes shipped from Texas. The area’s sandy soil still grows some of the best tomatoes in the state. And my family learned to take part in that business.
We took our best tomatoes to town. However, have no fear—there were plenty of uses for the culled ones that we kept for ourselves: soup, cobbler, picante sauce and, of course, lots for canning.
Texas’ tomato industry once employed thousands of people on the farms, in packing sheds and in the factories that made boxes and baskets. Over time Jacksonville became known as the tomato capital of the world.
Some of the old packing sheds with wide dock doors still stand next to the train tracks. That was where farmers sold their vegetables to be shipped all over. One of the six basket factories in the county still operates in town too. Many of my relatives worked at basket factories, or as we called them, box factories.
Competition and marketing problems caused a collapse in the tomato business in the 1950s. During the ’70s we took our tomatoes and other vegetables to the local farmers market. Bulk buyers bought from us and drove to the larger Dallas or Houston farmers markets. There they could make double the profit. Our father would stubbornly say, “I see no reason to drive that fa’ to sell a tomato.”
Yesterday, examining my ripe tomatoes, I found one with yellow spots and a distorted shape. Oh well, even the imperfect ones have purpose. I grabbed the saltshaker. D
